Noordam Review

3.5 / 5.0
829 reviews

Great Trip, but Long

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Noordam
User Avatar
pwuchief
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2015
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

Ok - new Zealand was great - except for Akaroa where we were not able to tender because of high winds (do not book a tour called the Mail Run - they do not refund). All other ports were great and interesting. Fiji portion - well if you have nothing else to do book it - I would not do it again (remember I am from Canada) the best port on that trip had to be Drauni Island, a small island of about 200, if you look back at the old movies with Fiji in them then this is what you will see. The people made you feel at home and welcomed.

Now more on the ship, on the second part the Christmas decorations came up making it more festive nice treat as were heading into Christmas. The Pinical - needs to change their menu basically three items steak and steak and steak (all portions way to big) with a chicken dish and a seafood also think it is getting over prised at $60.00USD. The Vista dinning room all meals good but after a while the deserts were all the same cream in various shapes and forms they need to add texture to the deserts, best I had, had to be the snickers cake, main course all good but to me they need something to kick them up just not sure what presentation of all meals is still very good.

Lastly the STAFF - how they can say EXCELLEANT day after day with their friendly smiles I do not know, wish they would share their secret!!! Get to know them you will be surprised! They start to open up a bit, has to be hard away from family for 10 months. Suggest we serve them (obviously can't do all) on some special occasion say a BBQ on the bow. Not sure if that will ever fly but I think it would be great for us and make them feel appreciated too

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

Cabin VD

The room has been the same as the other ships but this one the carpet need's to be replaced, as well as, undelay by the bathroom - major depression there.

Port Reviews

Dravuni Island

This island is a GEM, you are greeted by song and dance, they make you feel really welcome and their island is your island. We expected to say about 3 hours based on our other ports but ended up staying 5. We are not beach persons nor snorkelers but we passed the time. Did go for short dip though very refreshing. Not much to do but get to know the locals, walk the hill bring water, they also offered a boat ride around the island about 30 minutes not sure if that was USD or Fiji dollars. Around 11:00 a few set up grill smell really good but did not try, also several places to get a massage by the beach think that was $20. Either way I did not find they tried to rip you off. So save a few dollars and get you last purchases there. there is a 2 room school there and all kids were off for the holidays we brought our turn down chocolates over to the kids.

8 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Noordam Cruise from $261

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.